Livingston Reporting - page 164

Top Five Stages of Pursuing Effective IT Services from IT Consultants

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If you’ve been of late thinking about IT services for your needs, you may wonder what exactly happens during the session with an IT consultant. IT consulting is geared towards customers that are already aware about their need of an IT expert, but aren’t quite sure about what kind of assistance that is required.

In fact, you may have realized the potential impact of consulting an IT service provider for your business; however, it always helps to have a basic understanding of how these specialists benefit your business. The following lists out the sequential phases of IT consulting on a macro level.

Contracting Phase

During the contracting phase, you work with an IT consultant to understand the necessary groundwork required to assist your company with IT services and how it should be carried out. At first, IT consultants discuss about the challenges faced by the client and whether they can help find solutions for the problems.

This initial stage or the entry phase is basically a discussion carried out between the customer and the IT services provider. The expectations of either side are brought to notice, thereby arriving at a plan as to how to start with the implementation.

Data Collection Phase

Once the terms are discussed and the initial session is complete, the consultant will gather all relevant data necessary to find out the best possible solution. The stage involves understanding and requesting for the information that will help in diagnosing the present turmoil faced by the business. This is a crucial stage and the effectiveness of the next stage, the diagnosis phase is based on the outcome of proper data collection.

Diagnostics Phase

With proper data accumulation, the IT consultant now proceeds to the key stage of the service, the diagnosis. A specialized consultant will design the methodologies and best practices incorporated to discover the most effective solution.

Planning Phase

For IT services, the planning phase is the most stressful of all stages of their consulting. The consultant will find out exactly what must be done and the cost incurred. Companies often want a cheaper solution, whereas the professional solutions provider will strive to propose the most beneficial way to tackle the problem.

Companies often think that IT consultants are charging more for their services, which is not true in most cases. The fact that cheap solutions will always jeopardize the reputation of the service is a vital aspect that customers must try to understand. If you find that a consultant is dedicated to a specific solution, consider this as a sign of quality and not a means to quote more money.

Implementation Phase 

The final and actionable part of the five stages of IT consulting is the implementation. In this phase, companies may want to utilize the report designed by the solutions provider so far in two ways. One, companies may decide to use the help of the consultant to carry out the implementation, or the service will only preside over the progress as IT leaders might be trained to begin implementing the solution from there.

In most cases, IT services remain involved in the process until the final outcome of the implementation is reached and periodically for maintenance after.

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

 

 

Creative Programs and Systems

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Are You Cut Out For Real Estate?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

According to the Top National Workplaces survey, real estate was the second happiest industry to work in 2016, and most people tend to agree with these findings. Imagine making a living by looking at houses all day long, having more wiggle room in your schedules than other professionals, where you are in a nutshell, self-employed, you are free to set your working hours, and your salary has no cap.

Qualities To Have As a Real Estate Agent

Real estate professionals have the propensity to inspire trust thanks to their excellent communication skills. They are not only sensitive and mature, but they also can give and receive constructive criticism and feedback, all the while staying calm during a crisis. What’s not to love about this line of work?

Mastering tactics to get more real estate listings, listing leads, and ultimately more money in real estate can prove challenging to a novice let alone a savvy realtor. The idea is to nurture potential buyers along and get them excited about the prospects of owning a home.

There are three known types of real estate listings:

1) Open Listing – allows a homeowner to sell his or her house by themselves and only pay 1 ½ of the selling broker’s commission

2) Exclusive Agency Listing – while the owner can still assert their rights to self-sell their home, in some cases the owner pays a broker to represent them

3) Exclusive Right-to-Sell Listing – this listing is the most commonly used ways where the broker has the exclusive rights to earn a commission by representing the owner and bringing potential buyer

While listing agreements are negotiable, the most common terms and conditions in regards to the length of listing can range from 30 days, 90 days, six months, one year or more. Selling commissions can be dictated by how fast a homeowner wants their house sold.

However, it is advisable that if the owner wants the agent to generate buzz and attract potential buyers, then he or she must up the total commission. The owner and real estate agent must also agree on the conditions of contract cancellation and expiration. All monies owed to the broker must be paid in full, and the broker should be willing to let the owner cancel the contract at any time if they (the homeowner) are is not satisfied with the overall real estate listing process or with the broker’s services.

The following are various ways that one can get potential real estate listings:

  • Partner with local banks, builders, mortgage providers, plumbers, electricians, marriage counselors, or dentists. They always have a good lead
  • Start advertising your services online
  • Send for sale by owner (FSOB) mail to your client list
  • Checkout vacant, inherited, or divorce homes. Unless an inherited home is in a pristine condition, most people do not want to incur renovations or building cost and are looking for a quick sale. Additionally, most divorcees that list their homes is because they are mandated to do so by the judge to sell their property

Learn more about C21 Lady of the Lakes Realtors and the numerous services they offer including: buying a new home, selling a home, or renting a home at www.ladyofthelakes.com.  To contact one of our real estate agents call 734-426-6060 today.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Shrink Sleeves Help Avoid Product Mediocrity

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Your brand is destined for mediocrity if you are struggling to differentiate it from your competitors. Many companies try to be everything to their target audience and by so doing; they create confusion in the minds of their customers. Pinpoint the one thing that you do contrary to your competitors that makes your brand stand out. Do you distinguish your brand by label design, price, maybe by convenience, or by customer service and positive experiences?

All these things play a key role in your consumers’ mind’s eye anytime they interact with your brand, so do its innovative features, benefits, and niche. The key to having a competitive advantage is ensuring that your services and products stand out among other major players in the field and how you promote, advertise or market your brand is vital.

Importance Of Product Labeling

To maximize its exposure, the most important part of promoting a product is in its labeling. Today there are an abundance of choices.  There are numerous shrink sleeve label design options.  You can expect to see an increase in sales with the attractive custom printed 360-degree packaging and security seal labels that, in addition to boosting a products visual aspect, various shrink sleeve design options are also available using environmentally friendly film that appeal to an environmentally conscious public and boosts your product shelf sustainability.

Why Choose Shrink Sleeve

Shrink sleeve labels can be custom printed as per the company’s branding requirements with full-color striking images, including pertinent product information. These labels are not only strong but they are also flexible enough to wrap around an entire container and fit any shape of packaging. The most important aspect of shrink sleeve labels is that they are made from biodegradable materials that can be recycled, unlike older custom product labels that are made of plastic materials.

When you narrow it down to the biggest competitors, especially when they are offering a similar product or service as you are, how can you ensure that the customer chooses your merchandise time and time again? In this case, consumer confidence is key. By incorporating a tamper evident protection seal to ensure your product’s safety and by using the transparency of the shrink film to create an unprinted area on your product that allows consumers to view the contents inside the package on your shrink sleeve design is one way of boosting a buyers’ confidence.

Shrink Sleeve Strength and Durability

You can rest assured of your shrink sleeve designs’ durability because the labels are reverse printed behind 40-70 microns of clear film, a specific process which ensures that 360-degree graphics are protected from any wear and tear during transportation or while on the store shelves.

Creating a clear and concise brand identity through shrink sleeve design is vital because it will improve your marketing efforts and show that you are confident and you fully understand the essence of your product enough to stay consistent without misrepresenting the brand and to drive sales every time.

Learn more about Anchor Printing and their vast line of custom product label & packaging options including: Shrink Sleeve Labels, Flexible Packaging, Roll-Fed Labeling, Pressure Sensitive and Cut & Stack Labels at http://www.anchorprinting.com/shrink-sleeve.php.  To contact one of our label specialists call toll free at 800.748.0209 or via email at info@anchorprinting.com.

Anchor Printing

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Purchasing Quality Medical Equipment

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A linear accelerator, LINAC, is a device that accelerates charged particles along a straight linear path of metal tubes at periodic intervals through a process known as electrostatic acceleration. This medical device is used by a radiation oncologist who in addition to consulting with patients and planning treatment sessions, also harness the therapeutic properties of radiation to treat or/and cure cancer using customized high energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells without destroying the rest of the surrounding healthy tissue.

Proper Care Of Your Equipment

Technological advancements have gradually made it easy and painless in curing patients of cancer through radiation that is delivered using a linear accelerator. This is why regular preventive maintenance, quality assurance inspections, installation, testing, calibration, troubleshooting, repair and general maintenance of a LINAC is very important to ensure that the radiation concentration is even across the beam and that the device is in good working order at all times.

It takes time and extensive research, a healthy budget, planning, an understanding of your clinical goals and a commitment to quality care when planning to buy a linear accelerator that will provide patients with quality, timely and uninterrupted treatment options. Additional LINAC system costs and services will also include the following:

  • Warranty, service, and maintenance
  • 24/7 repair solutions tailored to your equipment needs
  • Redundant engineering solutions when the main engineer is not available
  • Around the clock rapid response computer-aided dispatching system
  • Machine uptime guarantee that ensures that there are no downtimes
  • On-demand parts and fast replacement of defective components for linear accelerators
  • Proper equipment removal and disposal
  • Relocation services of an existing linear accelerator
  • LINAC system costs will also include a keen project planning and logistics support
  • Power conditioners and patient positioning

Variation In Costs

There are a variety of linear accelerator systems to choose from and in addition to being budget conscious and selecting the right machine, LINAC system costs will also largely depend on the upgrades and features of each system, country of installation, adequate site planning, timeline, pre and post-installation equipment support.

A pre-owned linear accelerator such as a Basic Varian 600CD/6EX can be purchased for around $175,000 to $300,000. However, if you want a LINAC with newer systems such as the Varian TrueBeam, Elekta Versa HD, or the Cyberknife VSI and M6 prepare a healthy budget of around $750,000 to $1.5M. When you want to get the most from your existing equipment is also important to bear in mind other LINAC system costs for its accessories such as positioning lasers, treatment couch upgrades, water chillers, power conditioners, to mention a few.

Additional LINAC Services That Are Offered

There are also recognized professionals that offer LINAC services such as equipment assessments and appraisals for a fee to oncologists who are either looking to expand or close down their clinics, who want to secure funding from lenders, those that need to consolidate their debts, for insurance purposes, or simply to sell their equipment. These are just a few of the LINAC system costs that those in radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging line of work should consider.

Acceletronics is an independent service company dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models. Learn more about Acceletronics and their selection of new and refurbished linear accelerators and CT scanners today at http://www.acceletronics.com.  To contact one of our LINAC experts call 610.524.3300.

 

Acceletronics

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Getting The Coverage You Deserve With Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Medicare Supplement Insurance policy or Medigap is a private insurance policy sold by private companies to help pay for some of the high out-of-pocket care expenses that are not covered by the Original Medicare such as copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, at-home recovery, as well as foreign travel and emergency care.

There are eleven standardized plans lettered from A through G and K through N – and are regulated by the federal and state governments. Every Medigap insurer offers both Plan A and Plan B, but it is important to know that while Medigap policies must provide coverage for the expenses that are not covered by Medicare, not every insurer offers all twelve standardized plans.

Medigap Enrollment Requirements

You don’t necessarily need a Medigap policy if you already have a supplemental retiree health insurance through a former employer or union or if you opt for a Medicare Advantage Plan, also known as Medicare Part C. In order to be eligible for Medigap supplement plans, a few things should be in place and it will also depend on the state you live in because not every state offers Medicare Supplement plans to beneficiaries under 65 years of age. Consider the following enrollment prerequisites:

  • You cannot be a Medicaid recipient
  • You have guaranteed enrollment in a Medigap policy if you are 65 years old
  • You must be and stay enrolled in Part A and Part B in Original Medicare for your hospital and medical coverage
  • Depending on your specific state and you are eligible for Medigap coverage if under 65 living with disabilities or certain conditions, such as end-stage renal disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease
  • A Medigap policy only covers one person. You and your spouse must purchase separate policies
  • In addition to the monthly Part B premium that you pay for Medicare, you will be required to pay a monthly premium for your Medigap policy
  • Provided you keep up with the premium payments, the insurance company cannot cancel your standardized Medigap policy, and they must renew it annually
  • Medigap plans do not cover private-duty nursing, long-term care, dental care, hearing aids, vision or eyeglasses, Medicare Part D, which is a prescription drug coverage plan

Open Enrollment Period

You would face late enrollment penalties if you didn’t enroll when you turn 65. Therefore, you want to sign up for a Medicare Supplement plan during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. It is the six-month enrollment period that starts three months before the month you turn 65 or at the end of 3 months after the month you turn 65.

While you can apply anytime if you missed your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Deadline, but will not only be required to go through medical underwriting, but chances are you may not be guaranteed coverage. You will also be required to pay a late enrollment penalty if you want a completely different Medigap policy or to switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers prescription drug coverage but you decide to drop your old policy, and the drug coverage wasn’t a creditable prescription drug coverage.

Choosing The Right Plan For You

Depending on the policy, Medigap plans A through J include the following benefits:

  • Medicare Part A covers coinsurance and deductibles
  • Medigap Part B covers doctors’ bills
  • Medigap policies K and L include coverage of similar services as plans A-J and provide benefits that supplement those covered under Medicare Parts A and B
  • First three pints of blood annually
  • Foreign travel emergency
  • At-home recovery
  • Preventative care
  • Excess doctor charges
  • Hospice care coinsurance

While the services offered under each Medigap plan are standardized, the premium rates charged for coverage under the plans vary by insurance company and sometimes by geographic region. Additionally, Medigap policies may impose a pre-existing condition limitation of up to a six-month before the effective date of coverage. However, the waiting period can be reduced or waived completely, depending on your circumstances.

Learn more about Medigap plans and rates at http://emedigap-plans.com.  Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949!

 

Medigap Insurance Plans

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Types of Materials Used In Commercial Roofing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Commercial roofing is a specialty that’s a bit different than what is done for houses or other types of residential properties. Commercial roofing contractors will work with the commercial building or property manager to repair issues with a roof, replace a worn-out roof or build a brand new roof on a new commercial property.

There are many choices in the commercial roofing industry.  To begin, there are many types of materials that are commonly used in commercial roofing. Let’s narrow them down to help you choose the one that’s most pertinent to your project.

EPDM Roofing

This type of roof has excellent durability and can be used for a wide range of buildings. It lasts much longer than any of the other options. EPDM roofing is much easier to install, and is easier to maintain and repair than the other types of commercial roofing available today. It involves a single-ply membrane.

Green Roofs

This type of roofing has increased in popularity over the years and is commonly used in big cities. Basically, the roof is covered with vegetation implanted into soil. Beneath it is a waterproof membrane. This reduces the urban island heat effect by soaking up heat before it enters a building. It also works as additional insulation. It can increase the lifespan of a roof by as much as three times longer, and save on energy bill costs.

Liquid-Applied Roofing

This is created by applying high-tech polymers in liquid form that dry to form a moisture-free barrier.

Metal-Sloped Roofs

These are commonly used on high-rise buildings and last a long time.

Modified Roofing

This utilizes redundant layers of roofing to create a weather-resistant top. Built-up roofing is also similar and takes into account the roof’s slope and intricacies. Some forms are coal tar, asphalt, gravel, and modified bitumen.

Photovoltaic Solar Panels

This type of commercial roofing serves a dual purpose—it protects the building and provides solar power to it. These PV solar panels are installed on the roof and can be used with different types of roofing, including glass and roof-mounted tile. They can absorb the sunlight and convert to useable energy. This type of roofing isn’t commonly used yet, but can be a way to save money on energy down the road.

Thermoplastic Roofing

This is also known as TPO and it’s becoming one of the most popular types of commercial roofing today. It’s created of a durable material that is flexible, but has high endurance to heat or cold. It’s also resistant to the sun’s rays, and chemicals in industry. These types of roofs can last for up to twenty years or more. They’re also resistant to fires. They involve a single-ply membrane.

There are many choices in commercial roofing that can be confusing. Have a conversation with your commercial roofing contractors, as they are the best experts to help you choose commercial roofing based on the type of commercial building you have.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all of Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

 

Kearns Brothers

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Avoid these Costly Mistakes by Hiring an Estate Planning Attorney

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In order to pass your estate along to your deserving heirs it is important that you choose a family law attorney to help you draw up an estate plan to avoid extra taxes and probate when you do pass.  An experienced and trusted estate planning lawyer will help to ensure that your assets are distributed properly upon your passing.  They will also be an important part of putting in place a medical power or attorney, POW, just in case you become unable to make decisions regarding your care before your passing.

The process of finding an attorney that is qualified to help you can bequite daunting.  It is however impertitive to the success of transferring your assets upon your passing.  The right attorney will not let you make the mistakes that many people commonly make when creating an estate plan.  There are serious blunders that can be made that should be avoided to create an easy transition of estate upon your passing or if you should become incapacitated and are unable to make decisions for yourself.

Avert Common Misconceptions

Many people think that hiring the services of an estate planning lawyer is only for the rich and affluent.  This however is so far from reality.  Proper preparations for distribution of properties is essential.  Everyone has assets of one kind or another be it real estate, investments, personal belongings,and more.   You do not have to be rich in order to own assets that you will want distributed to your family without the hassle and expense that can come from probate.

Regardless of your financial assets, it is beneficial to have an estate plan in place to distribute your assets.  Asset distribution can be more efficient using a professional lawyer.  An attorney can help reduce the taxes to ensure a smooth transition of these assets to your beneficiaries. The idea is to make sure that your properties are transferred according to your wishes and not determined by a court.

Initial Arrangements

When seeking an estate planning attorney, there are certain things you would want to ask first. Know what the service charges are and what are the best proceedings in place to be applied to reduce tax requirements. Also, check to see if there are any apparent problems with your wishes among the beneficiaries and how best to make these arrangements.

A will or trust may be needed to be updated after the initial draft of your estate plan. So, make sure that you understand about the process. Your lawyer should be provided as much information as possible, which will make it easier to prepare your estate plan. Discuss your bank account information, insurance, pension and retirement plans, debt list, etc. with the attorney during the process.

Seek Attorney References

The best way to look for an estate planning lawyer is to ask for references. Use the help of attorneys, financial advisors, or even the local bar association to find out about professionals near you. Look for advertisements that offer relevant information. A good resort can be to look up online and visit the websites of local attorneys in your area. Professional attorneys will have a proper website with adequate information regarding their service. You may even find testimonials of satisfied customers that have sought real estate planning of their properties.

The power of a good estate planning attorney will help plan your assets well for the time when it comes to distributing your properties among the beneficiaries. A specialist in the field will be the best choice for the job.

Benefits of Gifting Assets

One of the most prominent benefits of segregating your properties is to reduce estate taxes. Once these assets are distributed, they cease to hold against the value of the estate. Hence, taxes levied are comparatively much less. Another advantage is that a capable attorney will remove the hassles that your beneficiaries may have to bear related to paying taxes, litigation, and other additional expenses.

The biggest benefit however is the peace of mind that the asset owner gets by appointing an estate planning lawyer to handle the task of distribution. Knowing that your beneficiaries will not have to face tedious legal issues to claim their rights will be quite a relief.

By incorporating a proper will in place with the legal documents to specify the rightful heir to your property, you will be able to receive the opportunity to determine who acquires which of your assets. An estate planning attorney will help you greatly in the process so you can be rest assured that your belongings get distributed in the proper way as per your desire.

Learn more about attorney Sean J. Nichols and the legal services he provides for clients including: estate planning, elder law issues, Medicaid planning, elder care, probate law, guardianships, and power of attorney (POA) at www.seanjnichols.com.  To contact the offices of Sean J Nichols, call 734.386.0224 today.

 

Sean J. Nichols

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Tips To Improve Healing Time after Cataract Surgery

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Cataract surgery has to be one of the most amazing surgeries today, as it can completely restore lost eyesight after their removal. It’s important to look after your eyes after your visit with your cataract surgeon, to keep them healthy and avoid future cataracts. Here are a few tips to help improve healing time after cataract surgery.

Follow Instructions Post Surgery

  1. Follow the instructions of your cataract surgeon. They’ll give you a booklet with quality information. They should go over this with you, but you may forget. Tuck that booklet into your purse or bag before you leave the clinic so you can refer to it again.

 

  1. Wear protective eyewear. You may be given special sunglasses to protect your eyes from the light, or, one eye or both eyes may be covered with eye shields. Even after you can remove the bandages, you should still wore protective eyeglasses or goggles to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun.

Have Someone To Drive You Home After Surgery

  1. Have a designated driver. You should not be driving after your cataract surgery. You should also have someone there to pick you up, rather than taking public transit home. It can be overwhelming to be out in public, even though your cataract surgeon will do their best to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

 

  1. Don’t panic if your vision is cloudy. Once you’re able to remove the eye shield or shields, your vision may still be cloudy. It may take some time for your vision to adjust to the removal of the cataract. If you’ve had an intraocular lens added, it may also take time to adjust. Follow the advice of your cataract surgeon and go back and see them if it hasn’t cleared in a timely manner.

 

  1. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities. Avoid these for at least the first three weeks. You should also avoid bending over. All these activities can place extra pressure on your eyes. Even sneezing or vomiting can cause problems with healing. If you think you’ll have any issues, ask your cataract surgeon if you can take antihistamines. And you can’t prevent getting a bad flu bug, but you should cancel your surgery if you are feeling unwell that day. Otherwise, you can ask if you can take anti-nausea medicine.

Try to Relax Inside Your Home

  1. Stay seated at home. Avoid walking around as you may bump or walk into objects and hurt yourself. You also don’t want to be walking around outdoors, as that exposes your eyes to environmental pollutants.

 

  1. Book a follow up appointment. It’s important to see your cataract surgeon for a checkup, so they can be happy that your eyes have 100% healed, and that your vision is now perfect.

 

Once your eyes have healed from cataract surgery you’ll be amazed at how clear and wonderful you can see again. With a bit of proper care and the advice of your cataract surgeon, you’ll have a lifetime of excellent eyesight to enjoy.

 

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.

 

Michigan Lasik

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How Do Water Softeners and Conditioners Work to Improve Your Home’s Water Quality?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In certain parts of the country the water is better than others. We rely on drinking water on a daily basis for survival.  It’s imperative that the water we drink is free of containments and tastes good. Nothing is worse than hard water, water that is over-laden with minerals, that not only gives it a sulfuric taste, but is also harsh and drying on the skin. The best solution is to add a water treatment system such as a water softener system to your home.

Choosing The Right Water System for Your Home

There are differences between a water softener, conditioner, purifier, and filtration system. Choosing the best water treatment system for your home can be a lot simpler if you decide its primary purpose and work with a professional water conditioning company to choose the right system for your situation.

A water conditioner is basically a piece of equipment that can change your water. It can filter your water, or improve the taste of the water in some way. A water softener is a specific form of water conditioner; it can reduce water hardness. But don’t worry, as you can use both interchangeably, as they have basically the same result.

In order to figure out if you need a water softener for your home, inspect your glassware after it’s washed and dried. If it has a whitish film on the surface, this means that your water is hard. This is because the dissolved minerals in the water will prevent the soap from doing a thorough job. A water conditioning company can help you determine what type of water treatment system that is best for your home or business.

This build-up of minerals is commonly calcium or magnesium. While they’re harmless to the human body, we all need our vitamins and minerals; it can make drinking water not as pleasant of an experience as it should be. It can also dry out your skin, decrease the efficiency of detergents, stain laundry and landscaping, and a variety of other unpleasant effects of hard water.

Deciding On A Water Softener

You have choices to make if you decide you want water softener systems in your home.  Do you want just your drinking water improved, or do you want a complete water softener for home installed for all water consumption, including sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs?

Water softener systems work by replacing the calcium and magnesium in the water for other types of ions. Inside the softener unit the water will flow over a bed of tiny plastic beads that have been coated with sodium or potassium ions. The water releases the potassium and calcium, and grabs the sodium.

How Water Conditioners Work

A water conditioner can work a variety of different ways too. It may use a form of carbon filtration, ceramic media, magnets, or electromagnetic waves to remove these unwanted particles. No matter which you choose, you want to do your research so you’re choosing the most effective and safest means available.

Some water conditioners also work through a disinfection method. They add an ingredient, such as chlorine, to kill off bacteria living in the water. While most parts of the USA have safe water to drink, there are many regions in the wilderness where groundwater could be contaminated, so you need a filtration system for your cottage.

Ask the experts if you’re uncertain what the best water softener for home is. Soon your water will look cleaner and taste better.

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we are here to help make sure our clients don’t buy water treatment systems that they don’t need.  We are here to make sure you find a water softening system that gives you the results you are looking for, whether it is to remove iron or odor from you water; we have a solution that will help!  For more information contact our experts at 800.572.9575 or at our website https://reynoldswater.com.

Reynolds Water

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How Can Homeowners Preserve Their Pool’s Plaster When the Pool Is Not In Use?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

You’ve gone to the great expense of building a pool in your backyard and now you must do your best to maintain it. Often the first signs of aging in a gunite pool occur in the pool plastering. This can slowly wear away over time, until it reaches a point that your pool may suffer cracks or chips that can eventually lead to leaking. To avoid this, your pool plaster needs to be inspected monthly. But there are other ways that you can protect your pool plaster too.

Consider Climate and Weather Conditions

First, you need to consider erosion of the pool plastering. Many people with pools live in mild climates where they can have a heated pool twelve month of the year. Other homeowners live in regions that suffer harsh winters. Weather and its elements are perhaps one of the main factors in wearing away at plaster. Wind, rain, and snow can all erode that plaster away.  Think about the climate where you live, the types of extreme weather, if your pool is used year-round, and other conditions that might affect the erosion of the pool plaster.

 

The next culprit could be animals. Dogs or cats can play around your pool. Wildlife may be your worst culprit though. Rodents and birds can peck away at that plaster, making a few minor cracks and chips much worse by the end of the season. One of the best ways to protect a pool in the cooler fall months that lead into winter and through into spring, is a pool cover or pool tarp.

Install Pool Cover For Protection

A pool cover completely covers the entire structure of a pool. This helps to ensure that when the pool is not in use that animals do not have access to the plaster.  You know when it’s time to install a pool cover for winter when you no longer swim in it.  If the pool is in season year-round you may use a roller cover that is less permanent but that can help keep animals at bay as well.

 

Another benefit of a pool tarp is that it helps you to avoid that winter maintenance where you must skim the debris from the pool, or vacuum it out if there is no water in it. It’s not fun having to clean the pool when there is snow or ice outdoors.

 

You want to purchase the best pool cover or tarp you can afford. Many people put a small layer of water on top of the cover. This is to prevent large ice buildups in the winter. You’ll also need to ensure your cover stays secure from wind, and check it at least every few weeks during those inclement winter months.

Inspect Your Pool Before Opening Day

Once spring arrives, you’ll want to remove your pool cover and clean your pool. This is the perfect time to inspect pool plaster. Should you see any damage, such as chips or cracks, this is the perfect time to fix and repair any damage. Get this done before you fill up the pool for summer, as the easiest time to fix the pool is when there is little or no water in it.  Fixing a few chips and cracks in the pool plastering now will prevent you from having to do major repairs by the end of the year.

 

Pool plaster repair can be an inexpensive way to fix minor issues that come along with the surface, but not if you wait too long.  Waiting to fix repairs can lead to the entire pools plaster surface needing to be resurfaced, which can is obviously a larger job than minor patches.

 

Learn more about Pound Pool Plastering and their numerous pool plastering options including: pool resurfacing, plaster surfacing, commercial pool plaster, residential pool plaster, plastering swimming pools, tiling swimming pools, coping swimming pools, and more at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com./residential.php.  To contact our pool plastering specialists call 248.476.4544 today.

 

Pound Pool Plastering

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